Camp Stoves & Portable Cookers — Australian Buying Guide 2026

The most common camp stoves in Australia run on LPG — either screw-top gas cartridges (isobutane/propane mix) or larger refillable LPG cylinders. Single-burner cartridge stoves are compact and lightweight, making them popular with hikers and backpackers. Multi-burner stoves with a flat-plate or twin-burner layout suit families and caravanners who want to cook full meals. Dual-fuel stoves can run on both liquid fuel and gas, which is useful in remote areas where cartridges may not be available.

Portable induction cooktops are increasingly popular for caravanning and off-grid setups with a good battery system. They are clean, efficient and easy to control. The key limitation is power draw — a typical induction cooktop draws 1,000–2,000W, which requires a substantial battery bank and inverter. For short cooking sessions with a well-sized lithium system, induction cooking is practical. For remote camping with limited solar or battery capacity, gas remains the more reliable choice.

12V cooking appliances — such as 12V kettles, sandwich makers and slow cookers — are available but have significant limitations. Most draw 10–15A continuously, which places a heavy load on your battery system for relatively slow cooking. They are best suited to keeping food warm or slow-cooking over long drives rather than as a primary cooking method. For serious camp cooking, a gas stove or induction cooktop (with adequate battery capacity) is a more practical solution.

Gas cartridges are widely available at camping stores, hardware stores and many service stations in regional areas, but availability drops off in very remote locations. If you are touring remote areas of outback Australia, consider carrying a stove that uses refillable LPG cylinders, which are available at most towns with a hardware or camping store. Always check fuel availability for your planned route before departing.

Wind is one of the biggest challenges for camp cooking in Australia. Open-burner stoves lose significant heat in windy conditions — look for stoves with built-in windshields or use a portable windbreak. Packed size and weight matter most for hikers and those with limited storage. For caravanners and 4WD tourers with more space, a larger twin-burner stove with a solid base and windshield panels is often the better choice.

All combustion appliances — including gas camp stoves — must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and appropriate ventilation requirements. Gas stoves produce carbon monoxide and consume oxygen during combustion. Never use a gas stove inside a tent, caravan, camper trailer or any enclosed space unless the appliance is specifically designed and certified for indoor use with adequate ventilation. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe use, storage and transport of gas cylinders and cartridges.

Most camp stoves work with standard camping cookware — stainless steel, aluminium and hard-anodised aluminium pots and pans. Induction cooktops require induction-compatible cookware (magnetic base). Check the burner diameter and pot support size before buying, particularly for small cartridge stoves used with large pots. Cleaning is straightforward — most stainless and aluminium cookware can be scrubbed clean at camp. Cast iron requires different care (see the Camp Ovens guide).

Gas stoves are generally permitted during total fire bans in most Australian states and territories, but rules vary by jurisdiction and can change during extreme fire conditions. Always check the current fire restrictions for your area before lighting any cooking appliance. Some national parks and campgrounds have specific rules about open flames and gas appliances — check with the relevant land manager before your trip.